Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and will not play in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Bengals on Tuesday had placed safety Vonn Bell, linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither, defensive end Trey Hendrickson, center Trey Hopkins and guard Quinton Spain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Mixon, a first-time Pro Bowl selection, ranks second in the NFL this season with 1,205 rushing yards on 292 attempts — an average of 4.1 yards per carry — with 13 touchdowns, which ranks fourth among rushers. He also has caught 42 passes for 314 yards and 3 TDs.
The Bengals (10-6) are currently in the No. 3 spot in the AFC playoff seedings, having clinched the AFC North title. They have two scenarios where they could clinch the AFC’s No. 1 seed, with both requiring a victory vs. the Browns coupled with losses by the Titans and Chiefs. In addition, Cincinnati would also need the Bills to beat the Jets OR the Patriots to lose/tie vs. Miami.
